Rabies

It is a requirement in North Carolina that all cats, dogs and ferrets over 4 months of age be vaccinated against rabies. It is also a requirement that these animals wear a valid rabies tag at all times. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in a fine or fee.

Vaccinations are available from any licensed veterinarian. Additionally, Orange County offers low-cost rabies clinics throughout the year. The dates, times and locations for these clinics are listed below and the vaccination cost is $10. Click here to see the list of clinics offered by OCAS.

Should your pet come in contact with an animal that might be considered a rabies carrier, contact Animal Control immediately at (919) 942-PETS (7387) . In the event of contact is after regular business hours, call 911.

Important Rabies Resources

Rabies in Orange County and Low-Cost Clinics

Orange County's Animal Services Department schedules low-cost rabies clinics annually. Clinics are very important as North Carolina continues to be affected by the epidemic of "eastern raccoon rabies" that began in the latter half of the 1990s.

In 2014, there were 23 confirmed rabies cases in Orange County. In both 2012 and 2013, there were 12 positive cases. By comparison, there were 20 positive cases in 2008; 19 in 2007; 26 in 2006; and 24 in 2005. 2015 is showing signs of peaking again with higher numbers, because there is a cycle of rabies among host species (such as the raccoon in eastern seaboard states). The incidence of rabies among a host species thus increases and decreases over a period of time. Click here to see a distribution map of positive cases in Orange County between 2010 and 2014.

It is for this reason that Orange County residents are urged to remain vigilant. Pet owners must be sure that our dogs, cats, and ferrets are currently vaccinated against rabies and also that they immediately receive a booster shot if there is any possible exposure to rabies or a rabies vector.

Low-cost rabies vaccination clinics are one of several rabies-related services offered by Orange County Animal Services. Staff also educates the public, investigates potential rabies exposures, and enforces applicable rabies regulations.

2015 Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Schedule

Date

Location

Time

Thursday, April 16

microchips offered at this clinic for $25

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill

3 - 5 pm

Thursday, May 7

River Park & Farmers' Market Pavilion

140 E Margaret Lane

Hillsborough

5 - 7 pm

Saturday, June 13

microchips offered at this clinic for $25

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill

9 am - 12 pm

Saturday, June 27

Piedmont Feed & Garden Center

4805 NC Highway 54 West

Chapel Hill

9 am - 12 pm

Thursday, July 16

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill

3 - 5 pm

Saturday, August 1

Schley Grange

3416 Schley Rd

Hillsborough

9 am - 12 pm

Thursday, August 13

microchips offered at this clinic for $25

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill

3 - 5 pm

Thursday, September 24

River Park & Farmers' Market Pavilion

140 E Margaret Lane

Hillsborough

5 - 7 pm

Saturday, September 26

microchips offered at this clinic for $25

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill

9 am - 12 pm

Thursday, October 8

River Park & Farmers' Market Pavilion

140 E Margaret Lane

Hillsborough

5 - 7 pm

Thursday, November 12

microchips offered at this clinic for $25

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill

3 - 5 pm

All 2015 Rabies Clinics will be for 1-year vaccinations only. Cost for rabies vaccinations is $10.

Checks, cards and cash will be accepted.

Replacement rabies tags or rabies vaccination certificates for animals vaccinated at Orange County Animal Services Center are available for $6. Please visit in person during regular business hours to obtain a replacement.

We now have a Mobile Page, designed to help you view our site on your mobile device. Click HERE to use it!

Check out our Animal Cam to see animals in our Featured Pet Room 24 hours a day!

Upcoming Events

SNAP-NC Surgery Day

Wednesday, April 1

The SNAP mobile unit will be performing low-cost spay/neuter surgeries in the Animal Services Center parking lot on Wednesday, April 1st. Appointments must be made through snap in advance. To schedule an appointment or learn more about their services, visit them at http://www.snap-nc.org/

SNAP-NC Surgery Day

Tuesday, April 14

The SNAP mobile unit will be performing low-cost spay/neuter surgeries in the Animal Services Center parking lot on Tuesday, April 14th. Appointments must be made through snap in advance. To schedule an appointment or learn more about their services, visit them at http://www.snap-nc.org/